EP4720593A1

EP4720593A1 - Magazine for an artillery installation, provided with a sensorized control system, and method for controlling such magazine

Info

Publication number: EP4720593A1
Application number: EP24729917.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michele Schettino; Vittorio LUXORO
Original assignee: Leonardo SpA
Current assignee: Leonardo SpA
Priority date: 2023-05-26
Filing date: 2024-05-24
Publication date: 2026-04-08
Also published as: IT202300010695A1; WO2024246693A1

Abstract

The magazine (100) and the associated control method envisage the use of a guide path (112) going through an inlet (103) and an outlet (105) and forming a closed path defining a plurality of predetermined and successive stations (P₁,... P_n) through which a train of side-by-side pieces of ammunition (A₁,... A_m; Al₁,... Al_m, A2₁,..., A2_p) is configured for laterally sliding in an integral manner. The stations (P₁,..., P_n) comprise a loading station (Pi), where a piece of ammunition (A) can be inserted through the inlet (103), and a feeding station (P_j), from which a piece of ammunition (A) is removable through the outlet (105) towards a weapon assembly (18). A moving system (114) is configured for integrally moving the ammunition train (A₁,... A_m; Al₁,... Al_m, A2₁,..., A2_p) laterally along the guide path (112) into a plurality of arrangements through the stations (P₁,..., Pn). A feeding system (142) is configured for feeding a piece of ammunition (A) situated at the feeding station (P_j) to the weapon assembly (18) through the outlet (105). A loading sensor (200) is configured for detecting the presence of a piece of ammunition (A) at the loading station (P₁). A feeding sensor (202) is configured for detecting the presence of a piece of ammunition (A) at the feeding station (P_j). An outlet sensor (204) is configured for detecting the presence of a piece of ammunition (A) downstream of the outlet (105). A displacement transducer (206) is configured for detecting any displacement of the ammunition train (A₁, A_m; Al₁,... Al_m, A2₁,..., A2_p) into the arrangements that can be assumed along the guide path (112). An input interface device (210) is configured to be operated by an operator in order to receive control information. A control system (208) is configured for controlling the moving system (114) as a function of the detections of the sensors (200, 202, 204) and of the displacement transducer (206), and as a function of the control information supplied by the input interface device (210).

Description

TITLE : "Magazine for an artillery installation, provided with a sensorized control system, and method for controlling such magazine

* * *

DESCRIPTION

Technical field

The present invention relates to a magazine for an artillery installation and to a method for controlling such magazine .

Technical background

In the artillery industry, magazines (with associated control methods) are known which generally consist of a system capable of containing and automatically moving one or more pieces of ammunition to be fed to an artillery installation .

Summary of the invention

It is one object of the present invention to provide a magazine for an artillery installation and a method for controlling such magazine which are improved over the prior art. In particular, according to the present invention, a magazine is provided which is equipped with a sensorized control system that ensures safe and efficient control over the loading and feeding of ammunition towards the weapon assembly of the artillery installation.

According to the present invention, this and other objects are achieved through a magazine and a method having the technical features set out in the appended independent claims .

It is understood that the appended claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided in the following detailed description of the present invention. In particular, the appended dependent claims define some preferred embodiments of the present invention that include some optional technical features.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following detailed description, provided herein merely as a nonlimiting example and referring, in particular, to the annexed drawings as summarized below.

Brief description of the drawings

Figures 1 and 2 are, respectively, a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a turret fitted with an artillery installation which, in turn, comprises a magazine made in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the next drawings.

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view similar to Figure 2, wherein some external walls of the turret have been removed in order to show a magazine made in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 4 and 5 are, respectively, a rear perspective view and a front perspective view showing the magazine of Figure 3 in magnified form.

Figure 6 includes a pair of schematic rear elevation views of the turret and, respectively, the magazine shown in the preceding figures. These views show how pieces of ammunition are loaded into a magazine.

Figure 7 is a rear elevation view showing the frame of the magazine, wherein a guide path is visible within which a single piece of ammunition can slide.

Figure 8 is a rear elevation view showing the positions of sensors and an angular position transducer associated with the magazine shown in the preceding figures, followed by a block diagram showing the interactions between a control system and such sensors and angular position transducer.

Figure 9 is a schematic rear elevation view of the magazine illustrated in the preceding figures, which is shown during an ammunition train reloading phase.

Figures 10 and 11 are views similar to the one of Figure 9, wherein the magazine is shown to execute a sequence of operations during an ammunition train feeding phase.

Figure 12 is a view similar to the one of Figure 9, wherein the magazine contains a pair of ammunition trains and is shown during a phase of loading one of the two ammunition trains.

Figures 13 and 14 are views similar to those of Figures 10 and 11, wherein the magazine contains a pair of ammunition trains and is shown to execute a sequence of operations during a phase of feeding one of the two ammunition trains.

Figures 15 and 16 are views similar to those of Figures 13 and 14, wherein the magazine still contains a pair of ammunition trains and is shown to execute a sequence of operations during a phase of feeding the other one of the two ammunition trains.

For completeness' sake, the following is a list of alphanumerical references and names used herein to identify parts, elements and components illustrated in the abovesummarized drawings.

A. Ammunition

Ai, ..., A_m. Ammunition train

Ai. Head ammunition

A_m. Tail ammunition

Al. First type of ammunition

A2. Second type of ammunition

All, ..., Alm. First ammunition train

A2i, ..., A2_P. Second ammunition train J. Feeding travel direction

K. Loading travel direction

Pi, P_n. Stations

Pi, ..., Pj. Loading stations

Pi. First loading station

Pi. Last loading station

Pj. Feeding station

SI. First sector

S2. Second sector

10. Turret

12. Artillery installation

14. Traversing mass

16. Oscillating mass

18. Weapon assembly

20. Cheeks

22. Barrel

24. Gun mount

100. Magazine

102. Frame

103. Inlet

104. Door

105. Outlet

112. Guide path

114. Moving system

115a. Front support element

115b. Back support element

117. Motor

119. Transmission mechanism

120. Movable chain structure

121a. Front gearwheels

121b. Back gearwheels

142. Feeding system 144. Feeding star

200. Loading sensor

202. Feeding sensor

204. Outlet sensor

206. Displacement transducer

208. Control system

210. Control panel

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown as a whole a turret 10 containing an artillery installation 12. As will be described in further detail below, artillery installation 12 includes a magazine 100, shown in Figure 3 et seq. , which is made in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Turret 10 is particularly suitable for installation on ships, typically on a deck. It may nevertheless be installed on terrestrial vehicles as well, e.g. on armoured vehicles such as tanks, and/or on aircraft and/or on fixed installations.

Artillery installation 12 is supported by and contained in turret 10, and comprises a traversing mass (or portion) 14, an oscillating mass (or portion) 16, and a weapon assembly 18.

Traversing mass 14 is configured to be rotatably mounted and supported on a stationary support structure (not numbered) , so as to rotate about a substantially vertical traversing (or azimuthal) axis Z.

Oscillating mass 16 is rotatably supported by traversing mass 14 about an elevating axis Y, which is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to vertical axis Z. In particular, in a per se known manner, typically traversing mass 14 and oscillating mass 16 are mutually assembled by means of a pair of cheeks 20 fixed to traversing mass 14, whereon elevation bearings are mounted, particularly at elevating axis Y.

In its turn, weapon assembly 18 is supported by oscillating mass 16. Weapon assembly 18 comprises a barrel 22 configured for firing pieces of ammunition A. In the illustrated embodiment, barrel 22 is an artillery gun, e.g. having a calibre of 40mm.

As is also visible in Figure 3, oscillating mass 16 comprises a gun mount 24 that supports barrel 22, in particular allowing it to be oriented about the traversing and elevating axes, in addition to permitting its recoiling motion .

As mentioned above, and as clearly visible in Figure 3, installation 12 comprises also a magazine 100 configured to contain a plurality of pieces of ammunition A to be fed to weapon assembly 18, in particular in order to be fired through barrel 22.

Magazine 100 is configured for automatically moving the plurality of pieces of ammunition A. Moreover, as will be further described hereinafter, ammunition A contained in magazine 100 is, advantageously, of the linkless type.

Magazine 100 is supported by oscillating mass 16 and is operatively integral with the latter; in particular, magazine 100 is integrated into gun mount 24. Therefore, magazine 100 is separate and distinct from traversing mass 14. Furthermore, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, magazine 100 is located on top of oscillating mass 16.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, magazine 100 comprises a frame 102 configured for internally housing a plurality of pieces of ammunition A. Frame 102 comprises an inlet 103 configured for receiving pieces of ammunition A to be introduced into frame 102. In addition, with particular reference to Figure 7, frame 102 comprises an outlet 105 configured for feeding pieces of ammunition A out of said frame 102 towards weapon assembly 18 of artillery installation 10.

Furthermore, magazine 100 comprises a door 104 which can be opened relative to frame 102, in particular being hinged thereto. Door 104 is suitably situated on top of frame 102.

As is more clearly visible in Figure 6, door 104 is designed to allow the operator to gain access to inlet 103 through which ammunition A can be introduced into or removed from magazine 100. In particular, door 104 can be raised from a closed position, shown in Figures 3 to 5, to an open position, shown in Figure 6. In the closed position, door 104 is lowered against frame 102 and prevents the operator from accessing inlet 103. Vice versa, in the open position, door 104 is raised from frame 102 and allows the operator to gain access to inlet 103 of magazine 100, so that pieces of ammunition A can be introduced or removed through inlet 103.

As mentioned above, according to the illustrated embodiment, magazine 100 provides an automatic system for loading linkless ammunition A, which will be described in detail below.

As shown in Figures 7 to 16, frame 102 comprises a guide path 112 going through inlet 103 and outlet 105.

With particular reference to Figures 8 to 16, guide path 112 defines a closed path and a plurality of predetermined and successive stations Pi, ..., P_n. A train of side-by-side pieces of ammunition Ai, ... A_m is configured for laterally sliding in an integral manner through stations Pi, ..., P_n. In particular, guide path 112 lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of ammunition A and, more specifically, also substantially perpendicular to the firing axis of barrel 22. In the embodiment illustrated herein, ammunition train Ai, ... A_m consists of a number m of pieces of ammunition A arranged in succession .

In particular, as will be further clarified below, said stations Pi, ..., P_n comprise:

- a plurality of loading stations Pi, ..., Pi, into each one of which a piece of ammunition A can be inserted through inlet 103, and

- a feeding station Pj, from which a piece of ammunition A can be removed through outlet 105 towards weapon assembly 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, magazine 100 comprises a number i of successive loading stations Pi, ..., Pi, starting from a first loading station designated as Pi up to a last loading station Pi.

Also, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, magazine 100 comprises a moving system 114 configured for laterally transporting ammunition train Ai, ... A_m along guide path 112 into a plurality of arrangements through stations Pi, ..., P_n.

Preferably, as aforementioned, guide path 112 defines a closed path and is shaped substantially as a loop and/or a serpentine.

As shown in Figure 7, moving system 114 comprises a movable chain structure 120, which can be moved supported by frame 102, and which is configured for carrying and pushing ammunition train Ai, ... A_m along guide path 112.

Moving system 114 further comprises a motor 117 (only visible in Figure 5, in the form of its output shaft) , e.g. an electric motor, configured for generating mechanical power to be supplied to movable chain structure 120, and a transmission mechanism, designated as a whole by numeral

119, configured for transferring the mechanical power generated by motor 117 to movable chain structure 120.

Referring back to Figure 5, transmission mechanism 119 is configured to be operated by motor 117 to move movable chain structure 120 along guide path 112 in both travel directions. In particular, the travel directions comprise a feeding travel direction J and a loading travel direction K, opposite to each other.

Due to the possibility of reversing the direction of transfer of ammunition A between feeding travel direction J and loading travel direction K, magazine 100 can advantageously be loaded and unloaded through same inlet 103. Furthermore, it is also possible to look for and load any empty sections of movable chain structure 120.

Movable chain structure 120 is configured for receiving each piece of ammunition A and is supported by frame 102.

Preferably, frame 102 comprises a pair of support elements 115a-b (see, for example, Figures 3 to 6) situated on axially opposite sides. Each one of support elements 115a- b supports a respective chain of movable chain structure

120. More particularly, a front support element 115a supports a front chain (not shown) and, respectively, a back support element 115b supports a back chain (not shown) .

In the illustrated embodiment, the front support element 115a is provided with a plurality of front gearwheels 121a acting as idler elements for the front chain, while back support element 115b is provided with a plurality of back gearwheels 121b acting as idler elements for the back chain .

In the illustrated embodiment, therefore, each piece of ammunition A to be contained in magazine 100 is configured to be inserted through inlet 103 situated at the top of frame 102 and received into movable chain structure 120.

It follows that, in the embodiment illustrated herein, when one or more pieces of ammunition A are to be inserted into loading stations Pi, ..., P± through inlet 103 of magazine 100, door 104 can be brought from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, door 104 makes movable chain structure 120 inaccessible to an operator. Vice versa, in the open position, door 104 makes the movable chain structure 120 accessible to an operator, in particular through inlet 103. The operator will then insert piece of ammunition A from above. When movable chain structure 120 is moved, ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m associated therewith will be concordantly and integrally transported along guide path 112.

Motor 117 is of the bidirectional type and is configured for turning in a feeding direction and in a loading direction opposite to the feeding direction.

With reference to Figure 7, when motor 117 (shown in Figure 5) turns in the feeding direction, transmission mechanism 119 (shown in Figure 5) moves chain structure 120 along guide path 112 in feeding travel direction J. Vice versa, when motor 117 turns in the loading direction, transmission mechanism 119 moves chain structure 120 along guide path 112 in loading travel direction K.

Transmission mechanism 119 is a gear reducer of a per se known type.

Motor 117 can be controlled either locally or remotely. In particular, motor 117 can be activated either in local mode, by means of a loading panel and/or a control panel provided on magazine 100 (e.g. installed on frame 102 or door 104) and manually operable by a user, or remotely through a management interface situated in a remote location and operable by a user.

With particular reference to Figure 8, magazine 100 further comprises a feeding system 142 configured for feeding a piece of ammunition situated at feeding station Pj to weapon assembly 18 through outlet 105.

In the illustrated embodiment, moving system 114 is configured for integrally moving ammunition train Ai, ... A_m along guide path 112 each time into an arrangement which is offset by one adjacent station in, respectively, said loading travel direction K and said feeding travel direction J.

In particular, when movable chain structure 120 is moved along guide path 112 in feeding travel direction J, feeding system 142 forces a piece of ammunition A situated at feeding station Pj to go through outlet 105 towards weapon assembly 18 and prevents said piece of ammunition A from moving to adjacent station Pj+i.

Vice versa, when movable chain structure 120 is moved along guide path 112 in loading travel direction K, feeding system 142 mechanically prevents a piece of ammunition A situated at feeding station P from going through outlet 105 towards weapon assembly 18 and forces said piece of ammunition A to move to adjacent station Pj-i.

In the illustrated embodiment, feeding system 142 comprises a feeding star 144 co-operating with moving system 142. In particular, feeding star 144 is configured for rotating :

- in a feeding rotation direction, wherein a piece of ammunition A situated at feeding station Pj is moved out through outlet 105 when moving system 142 is operated in feeding travel direction J, and - in a loading rotation direction, wherein a piece of ammunition A situated at feeding station Pj is moved from feeding station Pj to adjacent station Pj-i when moving system 142 is operated in loading travel direction K.

In the illustrated embodiment, magazine 100 comprises a loading sensor 200 mounted in frame 102 and configured for detecting the presence of a piece of ammunition A at a first loading station Pi, accessible through inlet 103. The first loading station Pi is the foremost loading station in loading travel direction K. In other words, the first loading station Pi is the one where a piece of ammunition A contained therein will go past inlet 103 before all other pieces of ammunition contained in the other loading stations P2, ..., P± when moving system 114 is operated in loading travel direction K.

In the illustrated embodiment, magazine 100 comprises a feeding sensor 202 mounted in frame 102 and configured for detecting the presence of a piece of ammunition A at feeding station Pj.

In the illustrated embodiment, magazine 100 comprises an outlet sensor 204 mounted in frame 102 and configured for detecting the presence of a piece of ammunition A downstream of outlet 105, in particular in a loading hopper (not shown) situated upstream of the loading carrier (also not shown) .

Magazine 100 further comprises a displacement transducer 206 configured for detecting any displacement of ammunition train Ai, ... A_m into the arrangements that can be assumed along guide path 112.

In the illustrated embodiment, magazine 100 further comprises an input interface device, in particular a control panel 210, configured to be operated by an operator in order to receive control information.

In addition, magazine 100 comprises a control system 208 configured for controlling moving system 114 as a function of the detections of sensors 200, 202, 204 and of the displacement transducer 206, and as a function of the control information supplied by said input interface device 210.

Preferably, loading sensor 200 and/or feeding sensor 202 and/or outlet sensor 204 are proximity sensors configured for detecting the presence of a piece of ammunition A at respective loading station Pi, at respective feeding station Pj, and in the respective position downstream of outlet 105 (e.g. in the loading hopper located upstream of the loading carrier) .

Preferably, displacement transducer 206 comprises an encoder, e.g. an angular encoder. In the illustrated embodiment, displacement transducer 206 is associated with feeding system 142; for example, displacement transducer 206 comprises an angular encoder associated with feeding star 144. In particular, the angular encoder is configured for detecting every angular rotation made by feeding star 144 in the feeding rotation direction and in the loading rotation direction. Control system 208 is configured for obtaining the arrangement of ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m contained in stations Pi, ..., P_n of magazine 100 as a function of the number of rotations made by feeding star 144 in the feeding rotation direction and in the loading rotation direction and detected by the angular encoder.

Furthermore, control panel 210 is configured for entering loading data representative of ammunition A introduced into frame 102 through inlet 103. In addition, control panel 210 is configured for supplying said loading data to control system 208. In particular, the loading data are representative of the quantity and/or type of ammunition A introduced into frame 102.

In the illustrated embodiment, control panel 210 is situated on top of magazine 100, in particular on door 104.

With reference to Figures 9 to 16, the following will describe some exemplary embodiments of a method for controlling magazine 100. In particular, the method envisages the steps of: a) obtaining control information from control panel 210; b) obtaining detections from one or more of loading sensor 200, feeding sensor 202, outlet sensor 204, and displacement transducer 206; and c) controlling moving system 114 to move ammunition train Ai, ... A_m along guide path 112 in, respectively, loading travel direction K and feeding travel direction J as a function of the control information and the detections.

In Figure 9, magazine 100 is shown in a phase of reloading ammunition A.

During said reloading phase, after step a) , in which an operator has transmitted to control system 208, via control panel 210, control information comprising a loading command, in step c) moving system 114 is controlled by control system 208 according to the loading command. In more detail, moving system 114 integrally moves ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m in loading travel direction K into an arrangement in which tail ammunition A_m of ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m is at adjacent station P_n ahead of loading station Pi in loading travel direction K. In the illustrated embodiment, tail ammunition A_m is that piece of ammunition of ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m which is in the rearmost position (last ammunition) in loading travel direction K; vice versa, head ammunition Ai is that piece of ammunition of ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m which is in the foremost position (first ammunition) in loading travel direction K.

Preferably, in the reloading phase, step c) comprises a first loading sub-step ci) , in which said moving system 114 moves ammunition train Ai, ... A_m into an arrangement in which head Ai is at first loading station Pi as a function of the detections of displacement transducer 206 in loading travel direction K. In particular, the angular encoder in the displacement transducer detects the rotations imparted by moving system 114 to feeding star 144 of feeding system 142; based on the detections of the angular encoder, control system 208 determines the station, among various stations Pi, ..., P_n, where head ammunition Ai of ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m is located.

More preferably, in the reloading phase, step c) comprises also a second loading sub-step 02) , subsequent to the first loading sub-step ci) . In the second loading substep C2) , moving system 114 moves ammunition train Ai, ... A_m in loading travel direction K whenever loading sensor 200 detects, in the arrangement assumed by ammunition train Ai, ... A_m, the presence of a piece of ammunition A at the first loading station Pi. In particular, every movement made by moving system 114 brings ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m into a new arrangement, offset forwards by one station in loading travel direction K; this movement is repeated until loading sensor 200 detects the absence of a piece of ammunition A at loading station Pi, so that ammunition train A has its tail Am correctly positioned at adjacent station P_n. Therefore, additional ammunition A can be loaded, through inlet 103, into loading stations Pi, ..., Pi, which will now be empty - after tail A_m. This is the condition shown in Figure 9.

In Figures 10 and 11, the magazine is shown as it executes a sequence of operations during a phase of feeding ammunition A to weapon assembly 18.

During said feeding phase, after step a) , in which an operator has transmitted to control system 208, via control panel 210, control information comprising a feeding command, in step c) moving system 114 is controlled by control system 208 according to the feeding command. In more detail, moving system 114 integrally moves ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m into an arrangement in which tail ammunition A_m of ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m is picked up and moved past the outlet.

Figure 10 shows a prefilling sub-phase of the feeding phase .

During said prefilling phase, step c) comprises a first prefilling sub-step C3) , in which moving system 114 integrally moves ammunition train Ai, ... A_m in loading travel direction K into an arrangement in which head ammunition Ai is at feeding station Pj as a function of the detections of displacement transducer 206.

In addition, in the prefilling sub-phase, step c) further comprises a second prefilling sub-step C4) , subsequent to the first prefilling sub-step C3) . In the second prefilling sub-step C4) , moving system 114 moves ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m in loading travel direction K whenever feeding sensor 202 detects, in the arrangement assumed by ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m, the presence of a piece of ammunition A at feeding station Pj. This movement is repeated until the loading sensor 200 detects the absence of a piece of ammunition at the feeding station Pj. i.e. when the ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m has its tail ammunition A_m positioned at the next station Pj-i ahead of the feeding station Pj in the loading travel direction.

In addition, in the prefilling phase, step c) further comprises a third prefilling sub-step C5) , subsequent to the second prefilling sub-step C4) . In the third prefilling substep C5) , moving system 114 moves ammunition train Ai, ... A_m in feeding travel direction J when the feeding sensor 202 detects the absence of a piece of ammunition A at feeding station Pj. Ammunition train Ai, ... A_m will thus have its tail ammunition A_m properly positioned at feeding station Pj, ready for the next sub-step. This is the condition shown in Figure 10, in which no piece of ammunition A is picked up by feeding star 144, since feeding station P is empty during the movement of ammunition train Ai, ..., A_m in feeding travel direction J.

Figure 11 shows a filling sub-phase of the feeding phase .

In this filling sub-phase, step c) comprises a filling sub-step eg) , subsequent to the third prefilling step C5) . In the filling sub-step eg) , moving system 114 moves ammunition train Ai, ... A_m in feeding travel direction J when feeding sensor 202 detects the presence of a piece of ammunition A at feeding station Pj and outlet sensor 204 detects the absence of a piece of ammunition A downstream of outlet 105. If outlet sensor 204 detects the presence of a piece of ammunition A downstream of outlet 105, the filling phase ends with the prefilling sub-step. If, on the contrary, outlet sensor 204 does not detect the presence of a piece of ammunition A downstream of outlet 105, moving system 114 effects a displacement that causes tail ammunition A_m to be picked up by feeding star 144 and moved through outlet 105 downstream of the magazine, in particular into the loading hopper and towards the loading carrier. This is the condition shown in Figure 11.

Preferably, control system 208 allows for "multifeeding" management of magazine 100, i.e. the possibility of loading a plurality of different types of ammunition into the magazine. In the embodiment illustrated herein, magazine 100 is controlled by control system 208 in "dual-feeding" mode, i.e. it is configured for loading into magazine 100 and feeding to weapon assembly 18 a first type of ammunition Al and a second type of ammunition A2.

Some phases of the method for controlling magazine 100 in "dual-feeding" mode are illustrated by way of example in Figures 12 to 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, "multi-feeding" management is provided through the definition of a plurality of sectors, each one being programmable from control panel 210 and being associated with a respective ammunition train. In particular, there is a first sector SI, associated with a first train of m pieces of ammunition All, ..., Al_m (of the first type Al) , and a second sector S2, associated with a second train of p pieces of ammunition A2i, ..., A2_P (of the second type A2) .

In brief, based on the data entered by an operator through control panel 210 and the detections made by the angular encoder in displacement transducer 206, during a phase of configuring magazine 100 control system 208 stores the stations where head ammunition All of the first ammunition train All, ..., Al_m and, respectively head ammunition A2i of the second ammunition train A2i, ..., A2_P have been initially positioned. In particular, the first sector SI starts from head ammunition All of the first ammunition train All, ..., Al_m and ends immediately before head ammunition A2i of the second ammunition train A2i, ..., A2_P. Vice versa, the second sector starts from head ammunition A2i of the second ammunition train A2i, ..., A2_P and ends immediately before head ammunition All of the first ammunition train All, Alm.

Furthermore, thanks to the detections made by the angular encoder, control system 208 can identify the stations where head ammunition All and head ammunition A2i are located

- and hence the positions of the associated sectors SI and S2 - in the various arrangements into which ammunition trains All, ..., Alm are brought by moving system 114.

In "dual-feeding" mode, when the operator operates control panel 210, e.g. in order to activate the reloading phase and/or the feeding phase, said operator also selects the ammunition type (choosing between the first type Al and the second type A2) to be (re) loaded and/or fed. According to the selection between ammunition types Al, A2 made by the operator, control system 208 will control moving system 114 to initially bring either head ammunition All of the first ammunition train All, ..., Al_m or head ammunition A2i of the second ammunition train A2i, ..., A2_P to either loading station Pi (if the loading phase is being executed) or feeding station Pj (if the feeding phase is being executed) . In order to move either head ammunition All or head ammunition A2i to the respective stations, control system 108 will control moving system 114 as a function of the detections made by the angular encoder. Subsequently, the same steps and sub-steps as previously described herein and illustrated in Figures 9 to 11 will be carried out in either sector SI or sector S2, respectively .

By way of example, and for the sake of completeness, the drawings show the following:

- Figure 12 shows a phase of reloading the second type of ammunition A2 ;

- Figure 13 shows a prefilling sub-phase of a phase of feeding the second type of ammunition A2 ; - Figure 14 shows a filling sub-phase of the phase of feeding the second type of ammunition A2 ;

- Figure 15 shows a prefilling sub-phase of a phase of feeding the first type of ammunition Al; and - Figure 16 shows a filling sub-phase of the phase of feeding the first type of ammunition Al.

Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the forms of embodiment and the implementation details may be extensively varied from those described and illustrated herein by way of non-limiting example, without however departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Magazine (100) for an artillery installation (10) , said magazine comprising:

- a frame (102) configured for internally housing a plurality of pieces of ammunition (A) and comprising an inlet (103) configured for receiving said pieces of ammunition (A) , an outlet (105) configured for feeding said pieces of ammunition (A) out of said frame (102) to a weapon assembly (18) of an artillery installation (10) , and a guide path (112) going through said inlet (103) and said outlet (105) , thus forming a closed path and defining a plurality of predetermined and successive stations (Pi, ..., P_n) through which at least one train of side-by-side pieces of ammunition (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Al_m, A2i, ..., A2_P) is configured for laterally sliding in an integral manner; said stations (Pi, ..., P_n) comprising a loading station (Pi) , where a piece of ammunition (A) can be inserted through said inlet (103) , and a feeding station (Pj) , from which a piece of ammunition (A) is removable through said outlet (105) towards said weapon assembly (18) ;

- a moving system (114) configured for integrally moving said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Al_m, A2i, ..., A2_P) laterally along said guide path (112) into a plurality of arrangements through said stations (Pi, ..., P_n) ;

- a feeding system (142) configured for feeding a piece of ammunition (A) situated at said feeding station (Pj) to said weapon assembly (18) through said outlet (105) ;

- a loading sensor (200) configured for detecting the presence of a piece of ammunition (A) at said at least one loading station (Pi) ; - a feeding sensor (202) configured for detecting the presence of a piece of ammunition (A) at said feeding station (Pj) ;

- an outlet sensor (204) configured for detecting the presence of a piece of ammunition (A) downstream of said outlet (105) ;

- a displacement transducer (206) configured for detecting any displacement of said ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Al_m, A2i, ..., A2_P) into the arrangements that can be assumed along said guide path (112) ;

- an input interface device (210) configured to be operated by an operator in order to receive control information;

- a control system (208) configured for controlling said moving system (114) as a function of the detections of said sensors (200, 202, 204) and of said displacement transducer (206) , and as a function of the control information supplied by said input interface device (210) .

2. Magazine according to claim 1, wherein the moving system (114) is configured for integrally moving said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Al_m, A2i, ..., A2_P) along said guide path (112) each time into an arrangement which is offset by one adjacent station in, respectively, a loading travel direction (K) and a feeding travel direction (J) , opposite to each other.

3. Magazine according to claim 2, wherein:

- in said loading travel direction (K) , said feeding system (142) prevents a piece of ammunition (A) situated at said feeding station (Pj) from going through said outlet (105) towards the weapon assembly (18) , and forces said piece of ammunition (A) to move to the adjacent station (P -i) , and

- in said feeding travel direction (J) , said feeding system (142) forces a piece of ammunition (A) situated at said feeding station (Pj) to go through said outlet (105) towards the weapon assembly (18) , and prevents said piece of ammunition (A) from moving to the adjacent station (Pj+i) .

4. Magazine according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a plurality of side-by-side loading stations (Pi, ..., P±) , and wherein said loading sensor (200) is configured for detecting the presence of a piece of ammunition (A) at a first loading station (Pi) situated in a position ahead in said loading travel direction (K) .

5. Magazine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said loading sensor (200) , said feeding sensor (202) and said outlet sensor (204) is a proximity sensor.

6. Magazine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said displacement transducer (206) comprises an encoder .

7. Magazine according to claim 6, wherein said encoder is of the angular type.

8. Magazine according to claim 7, wherein said feeding system (142) comprises a feeding star (144) , and said encoder is configured for detecting the rotation of said feeding star ( 144 ) .

9. Magazine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said input interface device (210) is configured for entering loading data representative of the ammunition (A) introduced into said frame (102) through said inlet (103) and for supplying said loading data to said input interface device (210) .

10. Magazine according to claim 9, wherein said loading data are representative of the quantity and/or type of ammunition (A) introduced into said frame (102) .

11. Method of controlling a magazine (100) made in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) obtaining control information from said input interface device (210) ; b) obtaining detections from at least one of said loading sensor (200) , said feeding sensor (202) , said outlet sensor (204) , and said displacement transducer (206) ; and c) controlling said moving system (114) to move said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Al_m, A2i, ..., A2_P) along said guide path (112) in, respectively, said loading travel direction (K) and said feeding travel direction (J) as a function of said control information and said detections .

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein:

- in said step a) , said control information comprises a loading command,

- in said step c) , said moving system (114) is controlled by said control system (208) as a function of said loading command to integrally move said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Al_m, A2i, ..., A2_P) in said loading travel direction (K) into an arrangement in which the tail ammunition (A_m) of said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Alm, A2i, ..., A2_P) is at the adjacent station (P_n) ahead of said loading station (Pi) in said loading travel direction (K) .

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein said step c) comprises a first loading sub-step ci) , in which said moving system (114) moves said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Alm, A2i, ..., A2_P) into an arrangement in which the head ammunition (Ai) is at said loading station (Pi) as a function of the detections of said displacement transducer (206) in said loading travel direction (K) .

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein said step c) further comprises a second loading sub-step 02) , subsequent to said first loading sub-step ci) , and in which said moving system (114) moves said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Al_m, A2i, ..., A2_P) in said loading travel direction (K) whenever said loading sensor (200) detects, in the arrangement assumed by said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Alm, A2i, ..., A2_P) , the presence of a piece of ammunition (A) at said loading station (Pi) .

15. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein:

- in said step a) , said control information comprises a feeding command, and

- in said step c) , said moving system (114) is controlled by said control system (208) as a function of said feeding command to integrally move said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Alm, A2i, ..., A2_P) into an arrangement in which the tail ammunition (A_m) of said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ..., A_m) is picked up and moved past said outlet (105) .

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein said step c) comprises a first prefilling sub-step C3) , in which said moving system (114) integrally moves said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Al_m, A2i, ..., A2_P) in said loading travel direction (K) into an arrangement in which the head ammunition (Ai) is at said feeding station (Pj) as a function of the detections of said displacement transducer (206) .

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein said step c) comprises a second prefilling sub-step C4) , subsequent to said first prefilling sub-step C3) , and in which said moving system (114) moves said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ..., A_m; All, Al_m, A2i, ..., A2_P) in said loading travel direction (K) whenever said feeding sensor (202) detects, in the arrangement assumed by said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Alm, A2i, ..., A2_P) , the presence of a piece of ammunition (A) at said loading station (Pj) .

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein said step c) comprises a third prefilling sub-step cs) , subsequent to said second prefilling sub-step C4) , and in which said moving system (114) moves said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Alm, A2i, ..., A2_P) in said feeding travel direction (J) when said feeding sensor (202) detects the absence of a piece of ammunition (A) at said feeding station (Pj) .

19. Method according to claim 18, wherein said step c) comprises a filling sub-step cs) , subsequent to said third prefilling step 05) , and in which said moving system (114) moves said at least one ammunition train (Ai, ... A_m; All, ... Alm, A2i, ..., A2_P) in said feeding travel direction (J) when said feeding sensor (202) detects the presence of a piece of ammunition (A) at said feeding station (Pj) and said outlet sensor (204) detects the absence of a piece of ammunition (A) downstream of said outlet (105) .

20. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said step c) said moving system (114) moves a plurality of ammunition trains (All, ... Al_m, A2i, ..., A2_P) , each one defining a respective sector (SI, S2) and comprising a type of ammunition (Al, A2 ) which is different from that of the other ammunition train.